RECORD POLL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 70, Issue 112, 24 February 1950, Page 3

RECORD POLL

LABOUR VOTES CUT LIBERAL LOSES DEPOSIT IN.Z.P.A.—Copyright! (Rec. 12.20) LONDON Feb. 23. A record poll of the 34,000,000 electorate seems assured in Bri- ' tain’s General Election. News of the heavy polling rolled in from all over the country. In Newcastle West, a key seat, 95 per cent, voted, and in two north divisions 90 per cent voted. At another the voting was so heavy that the supply of ballot papers ran out. The first result .announced at 2.30 G.M.T. was a Labour victory at Salford, West Lancashire, a new division. In the first result received there was the first lost deposit—by a Liberal candidate. In a four-cornered contest at Burnley (Lancashire) Labour got back but with its majority cut by half from 13,691 to 7049. \ In the riverside constituencies of Kingston-on-Thames, just outside London, the Conservatives almost doubled their majority in a straight fight with Labour. " * Break in Weather Morning and afternoon voters in London had fine weather, but afternoon voters turned out with umbrellas and mackintoshes in drizzling rain. In the extreme north Scotsmen braved swirling snowfalls. The great stream of women to the suggested that the general prophecy that the British housewives’ vote would sway .the verdict might be correct. To-night was a gala night in London. In West End clubs and hotels there were parties, and dinner dances which went on till the early hours. Never have such elaborate arrangements been made to tell the public the progress of the counting. Clubs and hotels announced the results and the state of the parties by'loud-speak-er and on notice boards, and huge crowds who flocked to Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus were able to follow the progress of the poll as results were flashed on illuminated screens. Many cinemas remained open late and served refreshments to patrons who stayed to see the .election - results screened at intervals.

EARLY RETURNS LABOUR IN LEAD A report at 1.30 this afternoon showed that Labour had gained 50 seats, Conservatives 26, and Liberals 1. Mr J. Platts Mills, who was expelled by the Labour Party, and who stood as Independent Labour, was defeated by the Official Labour candidate. Mr D. N. Pritt, K.C., wlk> was also expelled by the party, and who stood for Hammersmith, was also defeated. Three Ministers, Messrs G. Isaacs (Labour), G. Tomlinson (Education), and C. W. Key (Works) were returned. In the first 10 results received, eight candidates forfeited their deposits. Six of the eight were Liberals.